Job Information
Organisation/Company: The International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines Polish Academy of Sciences
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology
Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2)
Positions: Postdoc Positions
Application Deadline: 15 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Warsaw)
Country: Poland
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Hours Per Week: 40
Offer Starting Date: 16 Nov 2026
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme
Reference Number: Postdoc__NF_09/2026
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
About IMol:
The International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines (IMol) Polish Academy of Sciences, is a new and vibrant institute constituted in partnership with University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany. We provide innovative training, guidance and mentoring in an international “open door” environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure.
About the job:
IMol invites highly motivated scientists to apply for a three-year, fully-funded Postdoc position.
The aim of this project is to design, build and characterize a conceptually novel membrane micromachine based in giant liposomes, with immediate applications in biomedicine. This position involves performing both basic and applied research in partnership with industry.
Links to more information about the group:
https://imol.institute/leaders/de-franceschi-group/
https://www.membranemachines.com/
The position is funded by the First Team FENG programme under the Foundation for Polish Science (FNP), project number: FENG.02.02-IP.05-0191/24
Our group is interested in developing innovative membrane-based strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. We use liposomes with tailored mechanical and molecular properties to explore unconventional approaches to bacterial targeting and eradication. In particular, we have developed “Golden Traps” – large, functionalized and highly deformable liposomes capable of physically interacting with and engulfing bacteria, providing a new strategy to treat infections that are otherwise difficult or impossible to target with conventional approaches. The key responsibility of the successful candidate will be to test the therapeutic potential of Golden Traps against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in the lungs, with a major focus on in vivo mouse models of pulmonary infection. The candidate will investigate the ability of Golden Traps to target and eliminate bacterial aggregates embedded within lung tissue and evaluate their potential as carriers for the local delivery of molecules with antibacterial activity. These studies will be complemented by cell biology experiments aimed at understanding the interactions between Golden Traps, bacteria, lung cells and the immune system. We particularly encourage applications from candidates with a strong background in in vivo experimental biology. Previous experience with mouse work is required, as animal experiments will constitute a central part of the project. Expertise in mouse models of bacterial infection, lung biology, microbiology, cell biology, or drug-delivery systems will be considered a strong asset. The project is carried out in collaboration with Dr. Monika Jakubowska, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, where part of the in vivo work will be performed.
Profile of candidates/requirements:
- PhD in cell biology, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, or related fields
- Previous hands-on experience with mouse work is required, as in vivo experiments will constitute a major part of the project
- Previous experience with mouse models of infection, lung biology, microbiology, cell biology, or drug-delivery systems will be advantageous
- Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and standard cell biology techniques
- High mobility and willingness to travel frequently are essential. The position is based in Warsaw, but part of the in vivo work will be performed in Krakow. The successful candidate should therefore be available to travel to Krakow approximately once per month, typically for several days at a time.
- Ability to work independently and organize experimental work across collaborating laboratories and locations
- A good command of English is essential
- Good communication and teamwork skills
Key responsibilities:
- Planning and performing in vivo experiments using mouse models of bacterial lung infection
- Planning and performing complementary cell biology and microbiology experiments
- Handling, monitoring, and experimental treatment of animals according to established protocols and ethical regulations
- Collection and processing of biological samples from in vivo experiments
- Keeping accurate and detailed records of experimental procedures and results
- Data analysis, results interpretation, and discussion
- Coordination of experimental work between Warsaw and the collaborating laboratory in Krakow
- Presenting results at internal and external meetings and conference
- Preparing manuscripts for publication in scientific journals
- Active participation in the research conducted in the lab
We offer:
- Full-time position, fixed-term contract for up to 4 years, initially signed for 12 months
- Remuneration: ~13,000 PLN gross/month, a highly competitive salary in the Polish academic sector, substantially above standard postdoctoral/academic salary levels in Poland
- Participation in an ambitious interdisciplinary and translational project at the interface of membrane biophysics, cell biology, microbiology, and in vivo research
- Work in an excellent scientific and international environment
- Access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities
- Participation in scientific courses and international conferences
- Opportunities to develop independent research directions within the scope of the project
- Medical package and social benefits
Please apply by completing this form: https://forms.gle/WWrzqjtUrpdaqP9p7
Where to apply
Website: https://forms.gle/Exoy7iw4U8cYLL9C6
Requirements
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology
Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: The International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines Polish Academy of Sciences
Country: Poland
State/Province: Mazowieckie
City: Warsaw
Postal Code: 02-247
Street: Marcina Flisa 6
Contact
State/Province: mazowieckie
City: Warsaw
Website: http://imol.instiutute
Street: Flisa 6
Postal Code: 02-247
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